Hours after word got out that Food Network did not renew Paula Deen's contract for her use of racial slurs, the celebrity chef issued a statement of gratitude to the network.

First, she thanked the network for "11 great years" and went on to describe the experiences it allowed her to have.

"I have had the pleasure of being allowed into so many homes across the country and meeting people who have shared with me the most touching and personal stories," she said. "This would not have been possible without the Food Network. Thank you again. Love and best dishes to all of y'all."

Deen made headlines earlier in the week for allegedly using racial slurs and expressing her desire to have a plantation-style wedding with black servants. The accusations were made during a deposition in which a former employee accused Deen and Deen's brother Earl "Bubba" Hiers of discrimination in the workplace.

The primary reason for Food Network firing Deen was because of how poorly her PR team managed the issue, according to a Saturday report on TMZ. The apology videos Deen released were allegedly the "last straw", giving the network no choice but to fire her.

Despite the controversy, Deen's son Bobby will continue to host his own Food Network show Not My Mama's Meals. The 43-year-old son was not involved in the controversy in any way.

Deen explained in the deposition that she used the "N-word" during an incident when she was working as a bank teller: "Well, it was probably when a black man burst into the bank that I was working at and put a gun to my head." When asked if she had used it since, she said, "I'm sure I have, but it's been a very long time."

On Thursday, Deen's company issued an explanation for why the celebrity chef would use such a word: "She was born 60 years ago when America's South had schools that were segregated, different bathrooms, different restaurants and Americans rode in different parts of the bus. This is not today."

Tags
Paula Deen, Food network